Purpose and Scope
Functions as part of the dialysis health care team in providing safe and effective dialysis therapy for patients under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in accordance with organization policies, procedures, and training and in compliance with regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for the set‑up and operation of hemodialysis machines, and for maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Supports the organization’s commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) and CQI activities, including patient satisfaction, and actively participates in process improvement activities that enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve the organization’s Quality Enhancement Goals.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Patient Related Education
* Assist other health care members in providing patient‑specific detailed education regarding adequacy measures where appropriate – Online Clearance Monitoring (OLC), Adequacy Monitoring Program (AMP), Urea Kinetic Modeling (UKM), and regarding disease process/access.
Treatment
* Welcome assigned patients and inquire as to their wellbeing since their last treatment.
* Evaluate vascular access for patency, perform vascular access cannulation, and perform administration of heparin as delegated or as allowed by state law.
* Obtain necessary pre‑ and post‑treatment vital signs and weight and perform vascular access evaluation pre‑treatment.
* Initiate dialysis treatment according to prescribed orders including blood flow (QB) and dialysate flow (QD).
* Evaluate intradialytic problems and provide intervention as prescribed by physician order or as directed.
* Monitor patients’ response to dialysis therapy.
* Obtain vital signs prior to reinfusion; perform all relevant functions necessary for the discontinuation of treatment – document.
* Discontinue dialysis treatment according to established procedures and evaluate patient prior to termination of venous access – standing and sitting blood pressure.
* Obtain hemostasis and apply appropriate dressings.
* Evaluate the patient prior to discharge.
* Perform and record pre‑ and post‑dialysis evaluation, weight, and vital signs with initial identification.
* Calculate and enter individual patients’ dialysis machine programming for ultrafiltration (UF) goal; treatment time; and UF modeling as prescribed.
* Ensure appropriate safety alarms are enabled, including Narrow Venous Limits (NVL) 160.
* Record accurate and timely information regarding vital signs and treatment parameters onto the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet with initial identification.
* Accurately document information related to patient treatment including completion of the Hemodialysis Treatment Sheet and, if applicable, progress notes.
* Report any significant information and/or change in patient condition directly to the registered nurse or supervisor.
* Observe patients and conduct machine safety checks according to facility policy. Report any change or unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
* Perform and document any intervention for unusual patient status and document patients’ response to intervention.
* Evaluate patients’ vascular access during treatment including arterial and venous monitoring pressures, provide appropriate intervention as needed, document and report any unusual findings to the registered nurse or supervisor.
* Obtain all prescribed laboratory testing and prepare specimens for collection.
* Ensure that all blood spills are immediately cleaned with appropriate disinfectant according to facility policy.
* Prepare, organize, and efficiently utilize supplies and equipment to prevent wastage.
* Monitors patients performing self‑care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Staff Related
* Assists in training direct patient care staff on appropriate programs under the supervision of a nurse.
Education / Communication
* Follows all organization business policies, procedures, and systems.
* Maintains environmental integrity and aesthetics – ensures all areas are safe and clean.
* Clean and disinfect dialysis machine surface, chair, equipment, and surrounding area between treatments according to facility policy.
* Conduct all tasks necessary for preparation for dialysis treatment and document where appropriate and perform all required pre‑treatment dialysis machine alarm testing, including Pressure Holding (PHT).
* Initiate Solution Delivery System (SDS) system.
Record Keeping
* Complete and document ongoing participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
* Enter all treatment data into the designated clinical application in an accurate and timely manner.
* Review treatment sheets for completeness, ensure nursing signatures are documented, and correct omitted entries by appropriate staff.
* Prepare initial patient chart for admission and compile paperwork for appropriate placement in chart.
* Prepare/print lab requisitions for prescribed or stat lab specimens according to laboratory destination.
* Collect, label, appropriately prepare, and store lab samples in accordance with laboratory specifications.
* Ensure collection of lab specimens by appropriate lab courier.
Infection Control
* Assists in collecting information for infection control audits.
* Supports staff and patients in adherence to infection control practices.
* Follows infection control policies and procedures.
* Participates in and reinforces infection control education of patients and families under the direction of the CM or designee as allowed by state law.
Transitional Care Unit
* Follows all newly admitted patients through their first four weeks of dialysis and coordinates their transitional dialysis care.
* Reinforces all education and care‑related matters as it relates to the new patient as allowed by state law.
* Liaises with appropriate FKC staff members to provide the best patient experience, ensuring all disciplines are scheduled to see the patient according to plan.
* Assists in assuring patient understanding of home dialysis products, benefits of home, and how home dialysis can work for them.
* Sets and performs a treatment on all machines used in the transitional care unit.
* Assists in assuring patient understanding of treatment options, including demonstration of the peritoneal dialysis set‑up.
* Assists with coordination of transition to patient’s modality choice.
* Assists with supply ordering and inventory for TCU.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
* The physical demands and work environment described are representative of the employee’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees to perform essential functions.
* Employees are required to take the Ishihara Color Blindness test as a condition of employment. Failure does not preclude employment; the company will consider reasonable accommodations.
* Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff, and physicians. The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various community locations. Travel to regional, business unit, and corporate meetings may be required.
* The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases/materials may occur.
* The position requires heavy lifting and moving of patients and assistance with ambulation. Equipment aids and/or coworkers may provide assistance. Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and bending over are required. The employee may occasionally be required to push and/or pull equipment, exerting up to 15 pounds of force. Lifting and lowering solutions up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally 5 feet high. A two‑person assist program and material assist devices are available for heavier items.
Education and Licenses
* High school diploma or G.E.D. required.
* Must meet CMS‑approved state and/or national certification requirements within the required timeline.
* All appropriate state licensure, education, and training (if any) required.
* Demonstrated commitment to organization culture, values, and customer service standards.
Experience and Required Skills
* Previous patient care experience in a hospital setting or a related facility preferred.
* Successful completion of the organization’s dialysis training program and CPR certification required for continued employment.
Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug‑free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
EEO, disability & veterans
#J-18808-Ljbffr